Helmut Marko explains how Red Bull lost Jonathan Wheatley to Audi

Follow us on Google Discover

Red Bull is set to lose a key member of their inner success circle when sporting director Jonathan Wheatley leaves to join Audi for 2026.

After 18 years at Red Bull and contributing to their title success, Jonathan Wheatley is seeking a new challenge as a team principal at Audi reporting to Mattia Binotto.

Wheatley had ambitions to become a team principal in F1 and when speculation over Christian Horner’s future at Red Bull emerged earlier this year, he appeared to be on the shortlist of replacements.

Having first worked as a mechanic at the team, he rose through the ranks to become their sporting director and was responsible for keeping track of the complicated sporting and technical regulations.

Wheatley was also responsible for Red Bull’s world-record pit stops, which have been the benchmark in F1 over the last few years. Discussing his exit on the Inside Line F1 podcast, team advisor Helmut Marko explained why they could not match the offer from Audi for Wheatley’s services.

Red Bull could not match Audi offer for Jonathan Wheatley

Sporting directors in F1 face a difficult job because they must know the ins and outs of the complicated regulations. If a team decides to appeal a penalty or decision made by Race Control, they will advocate on behalf of the team.

It will be a significant loss to Red Bull given Wheatley’s experience, but Marko explained that they eventually had no option.

“Jonathan Wheatley was a very important part of the team. Our pit stops were a benchmark, but not only that, the whole way, the approach, how mechanics were trained, and also the interaction with the FIA and so on,” said Marko.

“But he’s now in the mid-50s. He started as a mechanic, so it’s a very astonishing and a very proud career, and he wanted to get a position which is more demanding for him. Unfortunately, this Audi offer came, which we couldn’t match either the position nor the money which was offered. I personally understand him, why he’s taking this chance, but for sure it’s a loss for us.”

Audi and Sauber to build team around Jonathan Wheatley

Wheatley is not set to join Audi from Red Bull until after a period of gardening leave, which is set to end no later than July 2025.

Martin Brundle believes Audi will likely build the team around Wheatley given his experience, which could see him influence their driver decisions.

READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber from team principal to Audi future

Audi and Sauber have yet to decide on their driver lineup for 2025, with only Nico Hulkenberg lined up for a drive, but with Wheatley’s Red Bull ties they could have talks with Liam Lawson.

Binotto has reportedly sided with experience which opens the door to Valtteri Bottas, although the team might also be inclined to run a rookie after the successful debut of Franco Colapinto at Williams.